[Greens-Media] Prevention the key to police murders

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 11 May 2006

Prevention the key to police murders

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says if Labor and the
Opposition were serious about tackling police murders they would ban
semi-automatic handguns, not increase sentences after the fact.

"While the major parties point score over who can get tougher on
crime, the safety of police and the public continues to be compromised
by their reluctance to commit to this simple but effective measure,"
Ms Rhiannon said.

"The murder of a police officer while on duty is a dreadful
occurrence.

"However the major parties enter dangerous territory by establishing
distinct sentencing schemes for different workers.

"This proposal distorts a sensitive justice system which gives the
judiciary the flexibility to decide sentencing depending on the
circumstances of the case. 
 
"The Greens will ask the major parties to justify why they consider
the murder at work of a teacher, a nurse or a taxi driver less worthy of
attention than the killing of a police officer.

"The banning of semi-automatic weapons long arms in response to the
Port Arthur massacre has proven to be effective. Now we need to do the
same for hand-guns.

"If the major parties were serious about public and workers' safety
they would support the Greens call for legislation to ban semi-automatic
handguns," Ms Rhiannon said. 


For more information:  0427 861 568 or 9230-3551


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au